Reader Spot – Meet Book Reviewer, @AnneCater

Here on the ‘Reader Spot,’ I share the bookish love of our avid book reviewers. From young adult to historical romance, chick-lit to a murder mystery, they know what they like and they’re happy to share. Whether you are a reader looking for a new book, or a writer wondering what your reader wants, I hope you find this series enjoyable.

Next up to the Reader Spot is reviewer, Anne Cater. Find her book review blog HERE.

What genre do you enjoy reading?

I enjoy a mix of genres, I will read most things. I do like contemporary fiction, and really enjoy intelligent psychological thrillers. I don’t tend to read a lot of what is known as ‘chick-lit’ as I find it difficult to relate to young female characters. I’m not a fan of erotic fiction or paranormal stuff either. Romantic fiction is a bit of hit and miss for me, I’m not a very romantic person and really don’t like ‘gush’ and happy ever after. I avoid science-fiction and fantasy and military-themed fiction and although I do enjoy some historical fiction, I prefer to read about the ‘common people’ rather than royalty.

Do you have a favourite author in this genre?

I don’t have ONE favourite author, but I have lots of authors that I love and eagerly await their next novel. There are so many, I would probably name a few now and then remember more in three hours time!

How do you prefer to read your books?

I only read print books. I do have the Kindle app on my phone and have read a couple of short stories on it, but I really don’t like it.

Where do you purchase your books?

When I buy books I like to buy them from bookshops. I very rarely buy books from Amazon, unless it’s something that is really difficult to get hold of. There are no bookshops in the town that I live in, except for a very poor selection in our tiny WH Smith, or the supermarkets, but I never buy books from a supermarket. Not because I’m against, just because I usually have a grocery budget to stick to and rarely make impulsive supermarket purchases. I love Waterstone’s, there are two in Lincoln and one in Doncaster, and my favourite independent bookshop is Lindum Books in Lincoln, although I don’t get a chance to visit as often as I’d like to.

Where do you find out about the books you read?

I usually find out about the books that I read from the author or the publisher. I follow lots and lots of authors, publishers and bloggers on Twitter and I really believe that Twitter is the best place to find out about books. My fellow members of Book Connectors are a great source aswell. I often see books mentioned in magazines and newspapers too, and quite often will spot a book in a shop and impulse buy it.

Do you have a budget when buying books? Do you stick to it if you do?

Ha! A book budget?? No, I don’t set myself a specific book budget, but I have a monthly spend budget so I know if I can buy the book that I want at that time, or whether I have to wait until next month. I am happy to pay the going price for a book, and do get annoyed when I see people saying that they’d never pay more than £X for a book ….

Do you write a review when you’ve finished reading? If so, where do you post this?

Yes, I have to review a book that I’ve finished as soon as possible after finishing it, when it is still fresh in my mind. I post my reviews on my blog; Random Things Through My Letterbox; on Amazon; on Goodreads; on Waterstone’s website.

What do you look for in a book?

It really depends on how I am feeling. The plot has to be good, beautiful writing is wonderful, but if there is no plot/story then I think it’s pretty pointless. I love strong characters and have a real fondness for an unreliable narrator.

Where do you like to read?

I can and do read everywhere and anywhere, except for in the bath. I’ve never fancied trying to read in the bath! I’m lucky in that I can read whilst travelling, so my book goes everywhere with me. I read on car journeys (when I’m a passenger!!), on the train, on a plane. I read in the kitchen, the living room, in the loo! I always read a least a chapter in bed before I go to sleep. I love going to Costa, getting myself a Cortado and a Pain Au Raison, and sitting in the corner for an hour with my book.

What social media platforms are you active on?

I love Social Media, and Twitter is my favourite, it’s so easy and so current. I started Book Connectors on Facebook and am so proud of that group, made up of authors and bloggers, it’s a great place to hang out and debate bookish things. I use Instagram, and although I do have a Pinterest account I’m not very active on there and it’s really out of date

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Published by shelleywilson72

I'm Shelley, a multi-genre author and award winning blogger. You'll find me sharing book reviews, author interviews, and chatting about books on my author blog and talking about personal development on my motivational blog. I'm a gluten-free single mum to three teenagers. I love vampires, mythology, and travelling.
View all posts by shelleywilson72

I agree, Twitter is a great place to find out about new books. A whole new world of favourite authors has opened up for me since I’ve been on the site!

Sounds as though your reading tastes are the same as mine, Anne. I like that you have a fondness for an unreliable narrator; it’s something I find so interesting to read, as well as write (I write a lot of them but no, I am not trying to get you to read my books, and they’re Kindle only, anyway!). I must recommend The Stand In By Deborah Moggach which has a marvellous main character; the skewed version of events in her head is so well done, as gradually the reader begins to see the real picture.

About Me

I'm Shelley, a multi-genre author and award winning blogger. You'll find me sharing book reviews, author interviews, and chatting about books on my author blog and talking about personal development on my motivational blog. I'm a gluten-free single mum to three teenagers. I love vampires, mythology, and travelling.